Two health officials busted for suspected fraud at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
The two have been arrested for allegedly being part of a syndicate that steals patient medical files.
JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu has revealed that two health officials from the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto have been arrested for allegedly being part of a syndicate that steals patient medical files and uses them to claim compensation at the Road Accident Fund.
It's understood one of the suspects was found with four patient files in her boot, while the other was arrested after police conducted a sting operation with a patient who agreed to meet with the health employee to discuss the contents of the file.
Mahlangu revealed the information today, at the hospital.
The MEC says her department discovered the illegal activities, after a patient who had been admitted at the hospital for injuries due to a car accident became inquisitive, and asked questions about his missing file.
Mahlangu thanked the patient.
"We want to appreciate the role that the patient has played."
She says besides the five files they are aware of, the hospital is also missing seven other files.
"At the moment they think that there are seven more files that they can't find in the motor vehicle accident area."
Mahlangu says one of the suspects has appeared in court and was released on bail this week.
